The Rancher’s Bride Blessing

by Maya Stirling

  "I've persuaded a fine lady and gentleman to come up to the ranch for a few hours every morning from Inspiration," he admitted.

  Abigail tilted her head and peered at him. "You took on servants?"

  He shook his head. "Not exactly servants. More like hired help," he countered.

  She exhaled. "Call it what you like," she teased. "It sounds like you got yourself some servants."

  Noah grimaced as if he was taking her taunting seriously. "Back where I come from, servants live in. These two kind folks have been generous enough to take the time to come all the way from town."

  "Just to make your breakfast and clean the place?" Abigail said playfully, trying not to burst out laughing.

  Noah laughed. "I can see you aren't going to be persuaded. A man can't do everything all on his own. Didn't you say that me?"

  "That was different," she replied. "I was talking about how to be a real rancher. It takes a whole of work. The kind a man can't do lonesome."

  "Today's a new start for me," he said. "I'm trying to learn. Some things will take longer to change."

  She quirked a brow at him. "Like having folks run around after you?"

  Noah didn't say a word in response. He looked at her, smiled resignedly, and then shook his head.

  Abigail glanced at the herd. It was still moving slowly, making its way steadily along the edge of the river. "Here I was thinking you were dead set on being a real rancher," she called out to him. "When all along, you only want the same life you had growing up."

  His brows furrowed. Although he was still smiling, this time there was a hint in his eyes that he was genuinely hurt by her comments. "That's not fair, Abigail. I've left that life behind for good. No going back. Just you wait and see."

  Up ahead there was a sudden noise. One of the cattle peeled away from the main herd. Instantly, one of the ranch hands was on it. He rode quickly, matching the pace of the runaway. It took a few expert maneuvers by the rider to guide the cow back to the body of the herd. It was all over in less than a couple of minutes. All part of a day's work, she told herself.

  Abigail glanced at Noah and saw he was impressed. "He made that look easy," Noah commented.

  Abigail shrugged. "Part of the job."

  Noah gazed over at the river. "Caleb said this river connects his ranch and mine."

  "That's true," Abigail replied. "This is the main water supply to the main Buchanan ranch and a couple of other along the way."

  "We got permission to cross their land?" Noah asked.

  "Sure have," Abigail responded and lifted a brow. "Haven't you already learned? Folks around these parts like to be neighborly. And that includes all the ranchers who own the spreads around Inspiration."

  "No range wars around here then?" Noah asked.

  She frowned. "Not here. In any case, most of those wars take place in dime novels. Not real life."

  For a moment, she thought he looked disappointed. Maybe too much imagination had been another reason why he'd decided to come out here in search of a better life. She dismissed that thought. Noah MacKendrick wasn't the kind of man to indulge in idle fantasy. Even though she'd only known him a few days, she could tell he possessed a solid character. He'd mentioned his faith often enough for her to be sure he wouldn't allow himself to be led astray by illicit temptations or vain wishes.

  The cattle began to moan in unison. All that did was spur the ranch hands to holler even louder, and busy themselves with the herd.

  Abigail glanced at Noah. He smiled back at her. "It's going to be a long day," he said, sounding as if the prospect truly excited him.

  Abigail nodded. "I guess it is," she replied, secretly telling herself she couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than to be riding alongside Noah MacKendrick.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Near midday, the ranch hands brought the herd to a halt again, settling them by the side of a wide stretch of river. These stops had been regular, all morning. The cattle needed time to stop and graze on the grassland along the river trail. Noah figured the hands had chosen this part of the river's edge because there was a wide, flat plain, and they could keep an eye on any strays which tried to wander off. Cooking stuff was unpacked from saddle bags. A pot was set to heat beans over a small fire. Soon the aroma of coffee filled the air. There would be some plain food to share, Noah told himself.

  Noah wasn't hungry. He was too excited to be interested in eating. Not only because being part of the herd drive was exhilarating, even thrilling. But mainly because he'd had Abigail riding alongside him the whole time. He told himself this was probably the most memorable morning he'd enjoyed in a long while.

  Glancing over at her from time to time, during the ride along the river trail, had been a real pleasure. A delight he'd been happy to indulge in. She looked so fine, dressed in her plain skirt and blouse, and with her neat little hat secured by that leather chin strap. Her pretty features were framed by the hat, and he loved the way her blonde hair, shiny in the morning sun, tumbled from beneath the hat and down around her neck. Being close to Abigail Buchanan was turning out to be the best thing about an already perfect day.

  Before coming over to the Buchanan ranch, it had been a long morning for Noah. He'd woken early, washing and preparing himself for the big day. After his two helpers, Mr and Mrs Lucas had arrived from Inspiration, Noah had left the Double T, keen to make a timely start to the day. As he'd ridden over to the Buchanan place, he'd reviewed his progress. Things were really looking up. The ranch was furnished and had been cleaned well enough, so that now it looked habitable. Clean. At last it was beginning to resemble what he'd had in mind when he'd bought the place.

  So much he needed was in place now. He had people to help. He had a bed to sleep in. The ranch house was starting to feel like a home, with furnishings he could just about stand, even though they didn't match what he'd been used to while growing up.

  And now he was about to take delivery of some fine stock. He had to admit none of that progress would have been possible without the help of the Buchanans. Especially Caleb and Abigail.

  Being forced to stay in town was behind him, now. Noah was glad to be out of the hotel. Pleased to get to know the Double T. His real home. For the first time since he'd arrived he felt like he belonged. He understood the attraction of living in a territory like this. And that feeling inside him, that growing sense of belonging, had a whole lot to do with the woman who had been riding alongside him all morning.

  Abigail Buchanan was beginning to find her way into his affections. There was no getting away from the fact. He didn't know how it was happening. Couldn't understand it. But, it was real. And he wasn't about to complain. Not for one moment.

  There were some trees by the river side. Noah followed Abigail toward them. They both dismounted and tied their horses' reins to the tree. Noah straightened and tried to stretch, but found he couldn't. To his shock, every muscle was locked tight. For a moment, his legs wouldn't move easily. His back felt like someone had thrust an iron rod inside his shirt. He groaned, reaching around his back, trying ease the tension in his muscles. But, it didn't make any difference.

  Abigail peered at him and laughed. "You forgot, didn't you?"

  He squinted at her. "Forgot what?"

  "You're not used to riding for long periods of time. Your muscles aren't used to it."

  "I'll have you know I learned to ride at one of the best riding schools in Philadelphia," he countered.

  Abigail shook her head. "That doesn't make a lick of difference, Noah. Out here, we don't rate fancy riding schools. You learn to ride out here by being in the saddle all day. Every day. For as long as it takes."

  Noah tried to take one step. The muscles in his legs tightened instantly. He grunted and then grasped his leg. Looking up at Abigail, he saw she'd covered her mouth with a hand. Her eyes were bright with undisguised delight. He narrowed his eyes, fixing her with a look. She paid no heed, still unable to contain her glee at his suffering.

&
nbsp; "I don't see what's so funny," Noah complained.

  Finally, Abigail could contain herself no longer. She threw her head back and laughed out loud. The sound of her laughter rang out all the way over to the ranch hands gathered around the fire. Their heads lifted and they stared in the direction of Abigail and Noah. He figured they must be wondering what all the hilarity was about.

  Noah gazed at Abigail. She sure looked pretty when she laughed, he told himself. Perfect white teeth, bright eyes and flushed cheeks triggered delight in Noah. He moved around for a few minutes until all the knots in his muscles loosened. As he did so, he couldn't help noticing that, even as she walked slowly toward the riverbank, she kept on glancing back at him. Just to check he was suffering, he told himself, still not seeing the funny side.

  He followed her to the river's edge and stood alongside her. The sound of the slowly flowing river was a gentle, calming murmur. Sunlight flashed brilliantly on the water's surface. He narrowed his eyes. He could see fish shifting beneath the surface. Across the river, the bank rose to a rising plane upon which was a forested area. Noah could see different kinds of trees over there. He still couldn't name the trees, he realized.

  Wanting to know as much as he could about his new home, needing to take all of its rich glory in, he turned to Abigail and pointed across the river. "What are they called?" he asked.

  She narrowed her gaze. "Those are Ponderosa pine trees," she informed him. She pointed beyond the pines, away over to the right. "And those other ones over there are Aspens. You should see them in the fall. They get real golden and pretty." She smiled at Noah. "They're my favorite."

  Noah lifted his brows, impressed by her instant reply. She knew this landscape like the back of her hand. For a moment he was jealous of that knowledge. Wanted some of it for himself. But, he realized something else, too. Something even more important. "Now I know something about you," he murmured gratefully.

  Abigail frowned. "What do you mean?"

  Noah turned to her. "What you like. The kinds of things you appreciate."

  He saw her mouth open slightly, as if she'd been taken aback by his forthrightness. "Anything else you'd like to know about this place?" she inquired.

  Noah smiled. "I'm only getting started." He stared off into the distance. "I figure this land is going to keep me busy for a long time to come. There's so much to learn."

  "You figuring on traveling around the territory?" she asked. "How you going to get the time to do that if you're looking after a ranch?"

  He shrugged. "I'll figure that out." He sighed, gazing off into the distance, feeling a sudden sense of awe and wonder. "I can't wait to know what this place is really like," he admitted. "There's so much to see. So much to do. The possibilities are endless."

  Noah saw her frown. "Well, if you're thinking of heading off trail, there's some things you should know about." She squinted at him. "Just to keep you safe, you understand."

  "Like what?"

  She squinted at him. "Bears, for one."

  He lifted a brow. "Really."

  Abigail nodded. "Grizzlies. Big ones that'll tear you to pieces if you get in their way."

  Maybe she'd expected him to show fear at the revelation, but instead he grinned. "That sounds like fun."

  "Fun!" she exclaimed. "You telling me you don't know how dangerous bears can be?"

  "Sure I do," he said. "I've read plenty about them." He lifted a brow, wondering if she knew that it was his turn to tease her.

  When she shook her head and frowned, he realized he was winning this particular battle. Looked like she didn't know he was joking. Of course he knew how dangerous bears could be. He just wanted to get a reaction out of her.

  "You and your reading," Abigail exclaimed. She sighed heavily. "Caleb had trouble a while back with bears attacking some of his cattle. Him and the ranch hands put themselves in terrible danger trying to get rid of them." She glared at Noah, seeing the mischievous look in his eyes. She pouted her lips in that way she always did when she was annoyed. As always, he took a secret delight in seeing that expression on her pretty features."It's no laughing matter," she insisted. "Sometimes they come right up to the ranch house."

  He froze for a moment. Now she did have his attention. "They come all the way up to the ranch house?"

  Abigail nodded. Suddenly, it looked like it was her turn to secretly enjoy his discomfort. "And, when they come to your ranch house, they're hungry."

  He narrowed his eyes, watching how she was trying to keep from laughing. "You're not being serious," he gasped.

  She rolled her eyes. "Well, not actually inside the house. But close enough, you understand." Her eyes glistened mischievously. "You might walk out one morning after having your breakfast prepared for you, by your new servants, and find a bear waiting for you. Then what'll you do?"

  When she'd finished speaking, she turned her face away from him. Now she was definitely having trouble keeping a straight face. Her shoulders shook, the delicate waves of her blonde hair shaking gently. Hypnotically. He took a step closer, tempted to reach out and touch those soft curls.

  Noah drew in a deep breath. "I guess I'll need a gun, then," he said. "If I need to scare off a bear. I suppose that's another skill I'll have to acquire"

  Abigail's head whirled around and her eyes widened. "You haven't learned how to shoot a gun?" she demanded incredulously.

  Now he knew he had her full attention. She looked genuinely shocked by that revelation. "That was one thing I didn't learn growing up," he explained. He quirked a brow. "Gentlemen gave up fighting duels a long time ago."

  She glanced down at his hip, realizing, maybe for the first time that day, that he wasn't wearing a pistol. "What are you going to do? You can't live out here and not know how to fire a gun."

  He shrugged. "I'll just have to get me a few. I'm sure I saw some for sale in town."

  Abigail's brows furrowed into deep ridges. She was lost in thought for a few long moments. Finally, she turned to him. "Sure you can buy them. But, you still have to know how to handle one. And not only a pistol. Shotguns and rifles, too." Abigail's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Maybe my brother can teach you."

  "Jake teach me how to shoot?" Noah's mouth turned downwards. "I'm not sure he likes me enough to go to all that trouble."

  Abigail took a step closer. "What are you talking about? Jake likes you. He really does, Noah."

  "Did he actually say that himself?" Noah asked doubtfully.

  Abigail frowned. "Well, not in so many words." Her brows rose. "But, I'm sure if I ask him he'll be glad to help you out," she added breathlessly.

  He'd seen how Jake had looked at him three nights ago on the porch outside the ranch house. The suspicious and protective expression on Jake's face didn't exactly give Noah confidence he was one of Jake's favorite people, right now. Especially with all the attention Noah was currently giving his sister.

  "The way Jake looked at me the other night, I thought he was going to use me as target practice," Noah joked.

  Abigail looked shocked. "You don't mean that," she snapped.

  "I think your brother wants to take good care of you," Noah said. "I understand that. He's your brother, after all. Family." Noah gazed out across the river's swirling currents. "Maybe, he doesn't want me hanging around too much."

  Now Abigail looked really scandalized. "How can you say that after the welcome we've all given you?"

  Noah lowered his head slightly and peered intently at her. "I know, Abigail. And, I'm not trying to seem ungrateful."

  "You're doing a pretty good job of it," Abigail interrupted. She frowned. He felt a heaviness in his middle, realizing he'd put his foot in it. That he'd accidentally offended her. But, he'd only been trying to tell her how he really felt. It was true Jake looked like he would prefer it if Noah kept his distance from Abigail. Of course, her family had been welcoming. They done more for Noah than he could possibly have expected. And he was grateful.